Denver Broncos: How They Can Use the NFL Draft To Help Rebuild Their Defense

The Denver Broncos were horrible on defense this past season. The way that Josh McDaniels basically ignored trying to build the defense during his very brief, but still far too long tenure as head coach was criminal. 

The Denver defense was last in the league in points allowed per game (29.4), yards against per game (390.8) and sacks (23). They were second to last in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (154.6) and interceptions (10) and were well toward the bottom in pretty much every other defensive statistic. So, it is very clear what side of the ball the Broncos need to focus on in the draft.

When trying to rebuild a team, it has to be about a long-term approach. As Josh McDaniels proved, things can't be done with a couple of veteran free agency signings, you have to do the major part of your work through the draft.

This particular draft has a lot of potential defensive gems that will be able to make some immediate impact for the Broncos. 

The Broncos have six picks in this year's draft, most of which should be used to help their defense. For the purposes of the article, we will be sticking with the first two rounds.

Round 1

It is very well known that the Broncos have the second overall draft pick, and there are some big names up on the top of that board. None of them is really the obvious No. 1 either, because any of them could come in and make an instant impact. So, the Broncos will have three out of these four guys to pick from: Nick Fairly (DT, Auburn), Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU), Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) or Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama). 

Currently, the popular pick seems to be Patrick Peterson, since it seems like the Broncos are going to allow Champ Bailey to get out of town, should he so choose.

This would be a huge mistake. Bailey is a future hall of famer who showed that his injuries didn't take away his talent, this year. The Broncos, and head coach John Fox, need to make sure he stays in Denver. If they manage that, picking Patrick Peterson doesn't make that much sense.

The Broncos run defense obviously left a lot to be desired, but the pass rush was the worst part of the defense. Our sack leader was D.J. Williams, with 6, followed by Mario Hagan with 5. The highest sack total on the defensive line was 3, by Jason Hunter.

The Broncos need a pass rush, badly. So, you can get both a run stopper and a pass rusher in Nick Fairly. If Fairly isn't taken by the Panthers, the Broncos should go there. If there is no Fairly, the Broncos should take Da'Quan Bowers.

Round 2

In the second round of the draft, the Broncos have two picks. They have the 36th overall (Round 2, pick 4) and 46th overall (Round 2, pick 14) picks in the draft.

Defense must remain the focus. If Champ Bailey leaves, this is probably where we see our CB pick to try and fill that void. Most likely, Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado), though he may fall as far back as that 46th overall pick.

If Denver thinks he will fall that far, then the Broncos may try to address more secondary issues with somebody like Deunta Williams or Rahim Moore, both safeties.

A lot of this depends on what happens with Champ. If Champ goes, obviosly you need to address the situation.  If not, you can keep worrying about that sad front seven. Then, there is also the possibility of Perrish Cox, who had a pretty strong rookie season for the Broncos, going to jail. If the Broncos lose both Champ and Perrish Cox, then obviously things aren't looking up. 

If Champ goes, take Jimmy Smith and Deunta Williams.

If Champ stays, you may even see the Broncos take a tight end in the second round since we lost our best receiving tight end because of he who shall not be named.

The theme of this whole offseason for the Broncos should sound very familiar: improve that defense. Don't be surprised if five, or all six, of the Broncos' draft picks are used to try to re-create the once feared Orange Crush defense.